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Smart Home Guides

Arlo Pro 2 Wireless Home Security Camera System 2-cam kit

Comparing security camera subscription plans

Today's security cams frequently include subscription fees to use many features or access video storage. Here's how it works and what you get.
Amazon Echo Studio

How to get sports updates from Alexa

Eager for the latest sports updates? A word to Alexa can get you scores, wins, and more. Here's how to give sports commands and how to personalize your updates.
amazon echo show 5 8 smart displays deals summer sale 2020 review 12 of 17 2 768x479 c

Celebrate Fourth of July with these patriotic Alexa skills

Wondering how you can use your smart home to express your patriotism? Use these Alexa skills.
Blink Home System security cameras on a kitchen counter.

How to set up a Blink security system

Learn how to set up a complete Blink home security system step by step from start to finish. It's easier than you might think.
The Blink video doorbell expands Blinks line of smart home devices.

How to set up a Blink doorbell

A step-by-step guide to setting up your Blink Video Doorbell and getting it ready for use.
The Ring Video Doorbell 4 beside a door.

How to reset a Ring Video Doorbell

If your Ring Video Doorbell is acting strangely, you may be able to fix it (or prep it for sale) with a full reset. Here's exactly how it works and what to do.
The Echo Show 15 is the largest smart display yet.

Best widgets for the Echo Show 15 for the connected family

The new widget function in the Echo Show 15 has several options that are particularly useful for connected families.
Echo Show 8 on a wooden table.

How to fix Alexa not connecting to the internet

Smart devices that get disconnected from the internet can lose a lot of functionality. Here's how to fix that if it happens to your Echo device.
An Amazon Echo in living room.

The best Alexa commands

Unboxed an Amazon Echo and looking for the best Alexa commands? Learn how you can utilize your new virtual assistant to its full potential with our guide.
The Shark Rocket Cordless Stick Vacuum.

Trouble with your Shark vacuum? Check out our repair guide

From overheating and Wi-Fi issues to suction loss, here are some of the most common Shark traditional and robot vacuum maladies and a few fixes you can try.

How to factory reset a Ring Doorbell

Here's step-by-step on how to factory reset any generation Ring Video Doorbell to fix software issues.
Amazon Echo Plus in home.

What is Alexa Intruder Alert?

You may have seen the memes, but you really can set up an Alexa Intruder Alert with various actions, either as an emergency response or a personal joke.
The Google Nest Learning Thermostat in stainless steel.

How to install a Nest thermostat

Considering upgrading your home with a smart Nest Thermostat? Here's everything you need to know about choosing the right one and exactly how to install it.
june oven artificial intelligence smart 04

What are smart ovens and smart stoves?

Hearing more about smart ovens and smart stoves and wondering what they can really do for you? Here's what to know before you click the buy button.
Roomba in dock.

How to fix a Roomba that can’t return to its docking base

Is your Roomba struggling to return to its home base to recharge? Here is what may be going wrong and the solutions to help it find its way home again.
iRobot Roomba 692 on a hardwood floor negotiating a mat.

Troubleshooting a noisy Roomba: 6 fixes to keep your bot quiet

Is your Roomba making loud noises while it works? That's annoying when you want some quiet, and it can scare pets: Here's how to keep your robot vacuum silent.
google assistant mobile.

Best Google Assistant settings to update right now

Want to make your Google Assistant work better for you? Check out these settings to improve your experience or fix issues you have with the voice assistant.
Smart home app use.

7 ways to prep your smart home before you go on vacation

Smart devices have vacation modes and other settings to help keep your home safe while you're away for long periods. Here's what to do before your next trip.
Roomba near a sofa.

How to stop your robot vacuum from going under furniture

Robot vacuums can do a lot to keep your floors clean, but homeowners may have concerns about them getting stuck under furniture. Here's how to prevent it.
iRobot Roomba i3 Plus cleaning a wooden floor.

Why does my Roomba robot vacuum keep going in circles?

Does your Roomba get trapped going in circles? Here's what could be causing the problem and the best solutions that can get the Roomba working again.
Echo Dot on an entryway table.

How to use Alexa to play radio stations

Did you know Alexa can access tens of thousands of local, national, and international radio stations? Here’s how to get Alexa to play your favorite broadcasts.
The Ring Video Doorbell 4 beside a door.

How to connect your Ring camera or doorbell to Wi-Fi

Whether your Ring doorbell lost its Internet connection or you've reset your entire network, here's how to connect (or reconnect) your Ring product to Wi-Fi.
A Dyson HEPA Filter.

What are HEPA filters, and can you clean them?

HEPA filters are excellent at trapping particles in vacuums, but they can get clogged easily as a result: Here's how to clean and care for them the right way.
Dog next to robot vacuum.

Ultimate pet tech buying guide

What smart pet tech is right for your pet? Let's talk about what devices to look for, what to be careful of, and which features provide the most value.
teforia, smart infuser, tea

How to use a tea infuser

Looking to make better tea? While there's nothing wrong with basic infusing, it is possible to add technology and take your tea to the next level.
An image showing RingCentral in use on a smartphone.

How does RingCentral work? Everything you need to know

RingCentral provides essential VoIP services to businesses large and small -- but what exactly is it, and how does it work? Here's everything you need to know.
URPOWER Essential Oil Diffuser.

Can you run an air purifier and essential oil diffuser at the same time?

Do an air purifier and an essential oil diffuser cancel each other out? Can you use them both at the same time, or is it not worth it? Here's what to know.
The Coway Airmega purifier.

How long do I run my air purifier?

Air purifiers use a variety of filters to clean a home's air -- but how long do they need to do their jobs? Here's how long to run your air purifier.
irobot roomba spraying water on wood floor with vacuum Roomba in dock behind it.

How often should you use your robot mop

We break down how often you should mop your floors with your new robot mop, especially if you have pets or children.
The myQ Garage Door Opener control with app.

How to connect MyQ Garage with Alexa

If you have a MyQ smart garage system, you can make it even smarter! Learn how to connect Alexa to your smart garage via IFTTT and issue voice commands.
A finger touching the Arlo Video Doorbell, mounted on a house wall.

How to install an Arlo doorbell

Follow these easy steps to install an Arlo doorbell, one of the best home video doorbell options on the market.
iRobot Roomba 694 at Best Buy - WiFi connected robot vacuum

Why is my Roomba side brush not spinning?

Roomba brushes require some maintenance from time to time. Here are tips and a step-by-step process to fix the issue of when it decides to stop spinning.
how to dispose of lightbulbs

How to dispose of light bulbs

Are you throwing your old light bulbs in the trash? You may want to rethink that strategy. Read our guide on how to deal with various types of light bulbs.
Woman using Shark Ninja Rocket vacuum.

How to reduce high pitch noise of Shark vacuums

Is your Shark vac starting to make annoying noises? That's an important sign to do some maintenance. Here's how to handle it and what to check.